First time road racing at the track!

Rainy Day Auto said
I might have to put the sway bar back in the dart, dang thing might just be worth something after all, instead of hanging from the ceiling being used as a pullup workout bar

Definately keep doing those pullups, it will make you a better driver.

MopaR&D said
If you put that sway bar back in use polyurethane bushings or it's basically useless lol.

I basically agree.^^^
Rubber bushings aren't totally useless, but for sports driving poly a cheap improvement. Especially on the links, polyurethane will provide a more immediate response.
BUT. On a stock link, double up the washers or buy some heavy aftermarket washers and tube with the polyurathane bushings.
Otherwise the tube will eventually punch through the washers.
When going polyurethane on the mounts, use 'polygraphite', or better yet, install grease fittings.

MopaR&D said
Since I finally was able to push it past its limits in a controlled environment I know exactly how it will react to my driving inputs and where its limits actually are. I never really felt that after making a run down the drag strip, more just got a feeling of how quick the car is, where the engine likes to shift etc.

It looks like you had an autocross type environment - lots of runoff and spin room. if so, then that's definately the place to feel out the limits.
One small caution. Even street tires have noticibly less grip on street than when running an event. I think its a combination of heat and the buildup of rubber off of everyones tires into the courses. I noticed this most after autocross events in the wet.
Drag strip is definately useful for focusing on engine and drivetrain changes. Its one reason I'm trying to work that into my schedule rather than a track event. Top end doesn't quite feel right and I also want to check the AFR at the high rpms and load.

MopaR&D said
My chassis/suspension isn't totally stock btw it does have '73-up front discs, Just Suspension 1" torsion bars, adjustable strut rods, homemade rear leaf packs and the steering was upgraded with a Stage 2 Firm Feel P/S box. Also has a B-body 8 3/4" rear with a worn-out clutch-type SG but that didn't do much for handling except increase unsprung weight lol.

Hmmm. I'd be cautious about a rear bar. Set it as soft as you can to start.

MopaR&D said
At least that car has provisions for a sway bar, I just ordered a Hotchkis kit and will have to weld brackets onto the K-member and lower control arms.

That's where Firm Feel's bars are a little easier for folks; no welding.
I don't know what Hotchkis instructions say, but another tip from the school of hard knocks. When you go to weld the brackets to the LCA, tack them or mark them with the car at normal ride height. Mock it up with the bar hanging from the K and the links.

Kern Dog said
I would believe that a person with better road course skills would be a better driver on the street, maybe even be able to avoid accidents better due to an increased sense of vehicle control.

I agree! One thing we see a lot is that good autocrossers tend to develop into good road racers. But road racers often have a hard time becoming good autocrossers. One speculation is that autocross emphasizes precision relative to the track (as oppose to other cars), and that everything happens very quick. On a track the car is going at higher speed, but in an autocross the action is non-stop. That's probably what road racers and track addicts are unprepared for.